Daily Current Affairs 14th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Government Fixes 23rd September as Ayurveda Day to Ensure Consistent Global Celebrations

• The Government of India’s decision to shift Ayurveda Day to a fixed date—23rd September—represents a strategic and symbolic move to promote Ayurveda as a globally acknowledged, evidence-based, and holistic medical system.
• The change not only eliminates calendar-related uncertainty but also connects the celebration to the autumnal equinox, reinforcing Ayurveda’s philosophy of balance and harmony.
• The initiative is poised to boost international participation, strengthen India’s soft power, and institutionalize Ayurveda as a sustainable and preventive healthcare system in the global arena.

Cabinet Approves Rs 3,706 Cr HCL-Foxconn Chip Plant in Jewar

• The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹3,706 crore semiconductor project by HCL and Foxconn in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, under the India Semiconductor Mission.
• The plant, designed to produce display driver chips, will start operations in 2027, generating 2,000 jobs and meeting 40% of India’s chip demand.
• This marks Foxconn’s second attempt at India’s chip ecosystem after its previous JV with Vedanta collapsed.
• The move strengthens India’s self-reliance in electronics, aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and positions UP as a key manufacturing hub.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates First 3nm Semiconductor Design Hubs in Noida and Bengaluru

• India’s first 3nm chip design centres have been inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Noida and Bengaluru. These facilities, developed by Renesas Electronics, represent a major milestone in India’s semiconductor innovation.
• Supported by the India Semiconductor Mission, this initiative emphasizes advanced chip design, industry-academia collaboration, and strategic partnerships, strengthening the country’s path toward technological self-reliance.

Centre Allocates 2.8 Million Tonnes More FCI Rice for Ethanol

• The Government of India has sanctioned an additional 2.8 million tonnes of FCI rice for ethanol production under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, raising total allocation to 5.2 million tonnes for ESY 2024–25.
• With a blending target of 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025–26, the move supports clean energy goals but raises concerns about food security, biofuel sustainability, and the use of first-generation (1G) feedstocks like rice.

India Rolls Over $50 Million Treasury Bill to Support Debt-Ridden Maldives

• On May 12, 2025, India extended a helping hand to the Maldives by rolling over a $50 million treasury bill for one more year through the State Bank of India (SBI).
• This move, aimed at easing the Maldivian debt crisis, highlights India’s commitment to regional stability, its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and economic cooperation despite recent diplomatic tensions.
• The assistance not only provides financial relief but also reinforces India’s role as a reliable strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region.

State News

Maharashtra Launches Policy to Promote Artificial Sand Use

• The Maharashtra government has approved a landmark policy mandating the use of artificial sand (m-sand) for all government and semi-government construction projects, aiming to curb illegal river sand mining and promote environmental sustainability.
• Key features include mandatory m-sand use, installation of 1,500 crushers statewide, MSME status for producers, reduced royalty (₹200/brass), and a 3-year transition for existing stone crushers.
• The move aligns with NGT directives, encourages use of rocky terrain, and supports water conservation by converting pits into ponds.

IWAI Opens Srinagar Office to Boost Inland Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir

• In a strategic move to promote sustainable transport and eco-tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has opened a regional office in Srinagar to develop inland navigation infrastructure along Chenab (NW-26), Jhelum (NW-49), and Ravi (NW-84).
• This initiative, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to enhance river-based connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and boost employment and economic growth in the Union Territory.

International News

US and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic $142 Billion Arms Deal During Trump’s Riyadh Visit

• The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a $142 billion arms deal during President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May 2025. The deal, deemed the largest in history, includes advanced air-to-air missiles, military systems, and commercial exports.
• The agreement, coupled with previous approvals for a $3.3 billion missile sale, is aimed at boosting defence ties, ensuring regional security, and increasing Gulf investments into the US economy.
• Major defence contractor RTX Corp will oversee missile production, marking a significant step in US-Saudi relations.

Who Is Anita Anand? Meet Canada’s New Indian-Origin Face in Foreign Policy

• On May 14, 2025, Anita Anand, a distinguished Indian-origin politician, was appointed Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs by Prime Minister Mark Carney, making her the first Hindu woman to hold the post.
• A former Minister of Defence, Transport, and Treasury Board President, Anand previously planned to return to academia but was persuaded to stay amidst strained India-Canada ties and sensitive US relations under Donald Trump.
• She took oath on the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing her Hindu faith and marking a historic moment in Canadian diplomacy.

78th Cannes Film Festival Opens with Tributes, Art, and a Call for Freedom

• The 78th Festival de Cannes opened with a rich celebration of cinema, honoring artists like Robert De Niro and paying tribute to voices like Fatima Hassouna.
• The event emphasized the power of art, freedom, and democracy, featuring stirring speeches by Juliette Binoche, Leonardo DiCaprio, and De Niro.
• With cultural figures like Quentin Tarantino, the festival champions inclusivity, representation, and cinema as a medium for resistance and hope.

Banking News

Canara and Union Bank Unveil Tailored Deposit Products to Boost Mobilization

• Canara Bank and Union Bank of India launched special deposit schemes to counter slowing deposit growth in the banking sector.
• While Canara Bank introduced Canara TruEdge, a personalized account solution linked to Monthly Average Balance (MAB), Union Bank unveiled the Union Wellness Deposit, a term deposit offering 6.75% interest, bundled with health insurance and lifestyle benefits.
• These initiatives reflect a strategic move by public sector banks to attract high-value customers, strengthen resource mobilization, and align with the goals of customer-centric banking.

Economy News

India Records 9.2% Drop in Coal Imports During April 2024–February 2025

• India’s coal import contraction during April 2024–February 2025 marks a notable advancement in its journey toward energy independence.
• With a 9.2% drop in imports and $6.93 billion saved in foreign exchange, the success is credited to targeted schemes such as Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal.
• Additionally, the 5.45% rise in domestic production reaffirms the country’s commitment to building a sustainable and secure energy future, in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.

Appointments News

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar Takes Charge at UPSC

• Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary and 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the UPSC Chairman by President Droupadi Murmu.
• Known for spearheading defence reforms, Digital India initiatives, and reviving public sector units, his leadership is expected to bring innovative changes to India’s premier recruitment body.

Summits & Conferences News

India Becomes ‘Country Champion’ at World Bank Land Conference 2025

• India was recognized as a Country Champion at the World Bank Land Conference 2025 for its digital rural land governance models. SVAMITVA and Gram Manchitra showcased technology-driven, inclusive planning.
• The initiatives contribute to economic empowerment, climate resilience, and infrastructure development, and serve as a template for the Global South.

Western Regional Power Conference Highlights Push for Smart Metering and Green Energy Zones

• The Western Regional Power Conference on May 13, 2025, focused on smart prepaid metering, green energy zones, nuclear power goals, AT&C loss reduction, and financial sustainability of DISCOMs.
• The Union Power Minister emphasized coordination to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Net Zero emissions targets.
• States were urged to ensure smart meter rollout, enhance grid security, and adopt resource adequacy planning.

Sports News

India Shines at Archery World Cup 2025 with 7 Medals

• At the Archery World Cup 2025 – Shanghai, India secured a total of 7 medals, including 2 golds, 1 silver, and 4 bronze.
• Deepika Kumari marked her 18th individual podium with a bronze in recurve, while Parth Salunkhe, the U21 world champion, earned his first senior medal. India dominated the compound events, winning medals across individual, team, and mixed categories, reinforcing its global stature in archery.

Obituaries News

Padma Shri Scientist Subbanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River

• Padma Shri scientist Dr. Subbanna Ayyappan, aged 70, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Cauvery river, three days after being reported missing from Mysuru.
• Widely hailed as the father of India’s Blue Revolution, he had revolutionized aquaculture and rural livelihoods. Concerns surrounding his death have prompted calls for a court-monitored CBI investigation, with allegations of corruption and institutional vendetta within ICAR and ASRB.
• Tributes have poured in from across the scientific and agricultural communities, recognizing his pivotal contributions to fisheries science and food security in India.

Miscellaneous News

Bill Gates Pledges to Give Away 99% of His Fortune by 2045

• Bill Gates has committed to donating 99% of his fortune by 2045, focusing on health, poverty, and disease eradication. This includes an additional $200 billion over the next two decades, advancing efforts through the Gates Foundation.
• Inspired by Andrew Carnegie, Gates emphasizes the urgency of addressing global challenges before his death.

Current Affairs Today | 14 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam